In advance of the May 11 Public Health Emergency ending, the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy announced the following on May 4:
- In response to the continued public health need for vaccinations, the Board will not be enforcing the supervisory ratios set out in 247 CMR 8.06(3) at licensed pharmacies that are providing vaccination services provided that the following conditions are met:
- A maximum ratio of one pharmacist to six support staff is not exceeded; and
- at least three support staff are interns and / or certified, licensed pharmacy technicians.
- Due to continued staffing shortages, the Board does not intend to take enforcement action against pharmacies that perform and reconcile perpetual inventory counts at least every 15 days as long as back-counts are performed after each prescription is filled.
- Pharmacists, interns and pharmacy technicians may administer vaccines to individuals who are 5 years of age and older in accordance with Policy 2023-02: Vaccine Administration.
- COVID-19 Control Measures, including COVID-19 tests, may be dispensed or administered in accordance with Policy 2023-03: COVID-19 Control Measures.
For more information, please contact NACDS’ Ben Pearlman at 617-515-2603.